The Shadow Dragons - James A. Owen [73]
“Far too much has been made about royal blood meaning more than noble worth, and there is far too much concern about spells and summonings and process and prophecy. If you want something, ask. If you are willing to pay the price, to earn what you desire, then pay it, and take what is rightfully yours.
“Some of the Caretakers have touched on one of the great truths of creation,” Samaranth continued, “and like all great truths, it is elegant in its simplicity.”
“Believing is seeing,” said Fred.
“So believe,” said Samaranth. “Good luck, and farewell.”
The drive back to the palace was much quieter, as each of the companions was digesting what the great old dragon had said. Of them all, only Fred was certain that the visit had yielded great results. None of the others were quite so sure. The Caretakers, including Bert, were stinging from the dressing-down Samaranth had given them. And Artus was told in so many words that he had essentially made a bad decision for good reasons. But the one thing they all understood was that there was still a chance to win—for all of them.
In his first years as King of the Silver Throne, Artus had proven to be surprisingly effective at governing the vast, eclectic kingdom that was the Archipelago of Dreams. A large part of his success came from his willingness to delegate to others who were more qualified in certain areas than he was. Another factor was his declaration of equal status for his queen, Aven. But the greatest part of his accomplishments came from the fact that he was unafraid to take risks and then stand behind them. There was little point in being responsible if one could not also be accountable.
As the Strange Attractor pulled up to one of the boulevards that led to the main part of the city, a badger jumped out of the brush next to the road and flagged them down.
“Uncas!” Jack exclaimed.
“Dad!” Fred shouted as he slammed on his brakes. “What are you doing out here?”
“You can’t go into the city, and nowhere near the palace,” said Uncas. He was obviously very upset—he’d twisted his hat into a knot.
“Why not?” said Artus. “What’s happened?”
“The Senate convened early, and the Chancellor was granted sovereignty over the entire Archipelago!” Uncas cried. “He started by putting out a call to have you arrested for instigating the attacks on Kor!”
“And so it begins,” Artus said, his face darkening.
“This is a put-up job,” exclaimed Jack. “You’re being set up for a fall, Artus.”
“What should we do?” Charles asked.
“Already in the works,” Uncas said as he climbed into the back of the Strange Attractor. “We’re to meet everyone at Halsey Cove.”
“Who’s everyone?” asked Charles.
“Y’know,” Uncas said. “Everyone.”
Halsey Cove was an old, seldom-used port several miles south of Paralon proper. It was more archaic, but architecturally more elegant than the main seaports. It was also occasionally used for covert meetings of any kind. Ransom was standing at the head of the docks when they pulled up.
“I trust you heard there’s a party being thrown in your honor back at the palace,” said Ransom.
“I heard,” Artus said. “I think I’ll skip it.”
“While you’ve been having tea with a dragon,” Ransom said, grinning wryly, “I’ve been gathering a few friends.”
The companions climbed out of the vehicle and realized that Uncas had been telling the truth: Everyone was indeed waiting.
Five of the seven great Dragonships of legend were assembled at the docks. Their captains, along with many personages and creatures who remained loyal to the Silver Throne, were waiting in formation for the king. And foremost among these were the queen, Aven, and her son, Prince Stephen.
The companions rushed forward and greeted them joyfully. Bert, Aven’s father, embraced her with tears in his eyes. She hugged him tightly, then stood up straight to take Jack’s measure as he was taking hers.
She had aged, as had he, but she was still the pirate girl he had adored, and she still had the mettle in her